The Party chief highlighted that the Party, State, and people of Vietnam deeply appreciate Finland's assistance during the early period of Vietnam’s renewal, particularly Finland's non-refundable aid in water supply and drainage, hunger eradication and poverty reduction, climate change adaptation, and forestry development.

PM Orpo warmly welcomed General Secretary Lam, his spouse, and the high-level Vietnamese delegation, describing the visit as a milestone to further strengthen bilateral ties. He expressed satisfaction at the strong progress in relations and underlined the significance of upgrading the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership, which opens new opportunities for cooperation amid profound regional and global changes.

General Secretary Lam congratulated Finland on its notable socio-economic achievements and its active role within the European Union.

Reporting key outcomes of his discussions with President Alexander Stubb, the Vietnamese Party chief confirmed that Vietnam is ready to work closely with Finland to bolster cooperation across major areas, including politics and diplomacy, defence and security, science and technology, digital transformation, education and training, environment and climate change response, as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

He stressed that Vietnam is prepared to act with Finland as a bridge to enhance Vietnam-EU cooperation and Finland-ASEAN ties.

The two leaders agreed to boost cooperation across all sectors, encompassing politics, economy, trade, investment, education, local government cooperation, and beyond.

On economic and trade issues, General Secretary Lam underlined that Finland is a highly promising trading partner for Vietnam in Northern Europe. He encouraged cooperation in developing a circular economy and called on Finnish businesses to expand investment in Vietnam, particularly in sectors where Finland has strengths, such as maritime cooperation, renewable energy, environmental protection, and processing technologies.

He also requested Finland’s support for the European Commission to lift the “yellow card” on illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing affecting Vietnamese seafood exports.

PM Orpo welcomed these initiatives and affirmed that the Finnish Government, under the newly established Strategic Partnership, would continue supporting bilateral ties, prioritising economy, trade, investment, science and technology, green and circular economy, renewable energy, digital transformation, innovation, and healthcare, while facilitating Finnish enterprises’ expanded cooperation in Vietnam.

The leaders also exchanged views on regional and international developments and issues of mutual concern, affirming close coordination at multilateral forums and supporting the Vietnam-EU relationship. They stressed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, cooperation, and development globally, on the basis of international law and the United Nations Charter.

During the meeting, General Secretary Lam conveyed an invitation from Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to PM Orpo to visit Vietnam.

Vietnam, Finland elevate ties to strategic partnership, pledge closer cooperation

VOV.VN - Vietnam and Finland have officially upgraded their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, pledging closer cooperation in circular economy, green transition, digital transformation, sustainable maritime development, and environmental and climate change initiatives, while reinforcing mutual support on regional and global issues.

Vietnam and Finland eye strategic partnership amid growing trade and investment

VOV.VN - Vietnam and Finland are poised to elevate their long-standing relationship to a strategic partnership, driven by deepening economic ties, increasing private investment, and shared ambitions in innovation and sustainable development, according to Finnish Ambassador to Vietnam Pekka Voutilainen.